The 2023 MLS season operated under comprehensive roster rules centered around a $5,210,000 salary budget per team. This budget represented an increase from the previous year and was designed to control costs while maintaining competitive balance across the league. Teams were required to stay within this salary cap for their senior roster players, with specific mechanisms in place to manage player compensation.
The 2023 roster regulations included detailed provisions for Designated Players, allowing teams to sign up to three players whose salaries could exceed the budget charge limits. Additionally, the rules incorporated General Allocation Money (GAM) and Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) systems, which provided teams with additional funds to buy down player salaries and acquire new talent. These allocation money pools were crucial for roster flexibility and competitive spending.
Other key 2023 roster rules included minimum roster requirements of 18 players, maximum roster limits, homegrown player provisions, and international player slot regulations. The league also maintained strict compliance monitoring to ensure all teams adhered to the $5,210,000 salary budget and associated roster construction rules throughout the season.